Nice early start to get the plane at 4:30, following all sorts of stories over dinner regarding Laos Airlines. Must say this did nothing for keeping Ang calm prior to the flight. But as usual all the war stories were unfounded and in fact the flight was good and on time getting us into Pakse at 8:15am, a short journey from the airport to central Pakse, typical airport cars situation 6$ for 3 kilometres on a tuctuc did not seem the best value for money of the week. Managed to get into alovely hotel for the night and got it all sorted by 9:30 and the trusty stead (suzuki 110cc) was now firmley under our control. Our Suzi was to be our freedom onto the Boloven Plateau, rising some 2000 metres and holding some spectactular waterfalls. ... read more

Hi everyone. Well, here we are on our last evening in Luang Prabang. It's been spectacular. It's a wonderful city, very cultural and very laid back. We've visited numerous temples and wats with some great views over the city and all to the background of bells and drums at 4pm each day. We've been on the Mekong River which seems to be the centre point of everything that happens here, fishing, cruising, crossing, washing laundry and cultivating. Went on a cruise up the Mekong for just over an hour yesterday morning, which was brilliant seeing locals working the edges of the riverbank and fishing also witnessing the high speed boats that some use for transport (helmets compulsory - definately not us). But we think the highlight was this afternoon when we visited the Kuang Xi Waterfalls ... read more

Well, we’ve booked our flights now - there’s no turning back. We’re off on February 27th, flying into Bangkok and then a connecting flight to Luang Prabang in Laos. I’ve researched for hours and hours and planned out a rough itinerary, so we know how long we want to stay in each place and also how to get from one place to another. Laos has no trains, so all transport will be bus, lorry (along with goats, bags of rice, etc), or boat. Nothing moves very fast apparently, so we will have to allow for that in the time allowed in each place, but looking forward to the variety none the less!!!!. ... read more